Hershey Commends 2019-20 Budget Passed in House

HARRISBURG – The House today passed their General Appropriations portion of the state budget. The legislation will now be taken up by the state Senate.

The General Appropriations bill passed on a 140-62 vote. Rep. John Hershey, R-Mifflin/Juniata/Franklin, was a “yes” vote on the bill and released the following statement:

“This budget does not raise taxes or include new fees, and it sets aside more than $250 million in the Rainy Day Fund. It keeps the spending increase to 1.8%.

“I like this budget because it invests an additional $432 million in pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade education, including $50 million more for special education. There are additional investments in mental health services and the programming that allows those with intellectual disabilities to receive home- and community-based care.

“The budget allocates $5 million more for public libraries and $19.5 million more for agriculture. Among the agriculture investments is $4 million for agricultural disaster preparedness and response, which includes efforts to control the spread of the spotted lanternfly and its destruction. There is $1 million for a new Livestock and Consumer Health Protection program as well as $2 million for a new Animal Health and Diagnostics Commission. I am proud that my colleagues in the General Assembly are recognizing that agriculture is the Commonwealth’s No. 1 industry, and this budget reflects that fact.

“There are also additional dollars to build on the work we’ve been doing to boost career and technical education in Pennsylvania.

“I thank my fellow legislators for working toward a budget that allows the state to live within its means, just as residents of the 82nd District have to do in their home budgets every day. I encourage the Senate to pass this bill and pass it to the governor for his signature.”